Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel
Host Steve Cuss and Dr. Kyle Strobel disrupt self-help versions of spirituality and call us back to genuine encounters with Christ. Together we explore how hidden dynamics like assumptions, reactivity, and self-reliance often sabotage spiritual formation—and why cultivating watchfulness in prayer and scripture is the antidote. Drawing from Colossians 4:2, early evangelical practices, and personal stories, Dr. Strobel shows how honesty about our emotions in real time opens the door to true transformation. We also name the dangers of “guruism,” guilt-driven church culture, and unrealistic expectations, pointing instead to authentic growth rooted in humility, friendship, and God’s presence in the ordinary.
Episode Resources:
Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack
Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It
Read Dr. Strobel’s book Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul
John Coe’s free online Bible courses
An introduction to the life and writings of John Cassian (video)
Read Colossians 4:2
Read Galatians 3
Read Colossians 2
Read Psalm 73
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
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47:25
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47:25
Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger
Host Steve Cuss sits down with Matt Wenger for a candid conversation about addiction, intimacy, and healing. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual addiction, the ripple effects it has on loved ones, and why recovery is best understood as a "team sport." Matt highlights the power of vulnerability, group support, and true intimacy as antidotes to the false connections addiction promises. Steve and Matt also shine a light on betrayal trauma experienced by partners, offering hope, empathy, and pathways toward healing for everyone impacted.
Episode Resources:
Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute
Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma
Romans (from the New Testament) - It is mentioned in the context of discussing sin as an infection or condition rather than solely a moral issue.
Read The Great Commandment (in Luke, Matthew, and Mark’s gospels)
Read Romans 8:38-39
Read Romans 7 (Paul discuss sin struggles)
More about Matt Wenger
Other Media:
Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life IntensivesExplore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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41:42
Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll Explore Anxiety, Faith, and the Presence of God
In her monthly visit to Being Human, Clarissa Moll from Christianity Today’s The Bulletin takes the host’s chair and turns the tables on Steve Cuss for another rich exploration of the Four Spaces of Anxiety. Together, they discuss how the frenetic pace of modern life can obscure God’s presence—and how intentional pauses can restore spiritual clarity and resilience. The conversation dives into rumination, false needs like control and approval, and the role of prayer and journaling in nurturing healthier relationships. Steve and Clarissa offer insights on differentiation, boundaries, over-functioning, and even the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
Episode Resources:
Listen: The Bulletin
Read: Genesis 28 (NLT)
Read: Tom Hanks' most iconic roles, from Forrest Gump to Toy Story (EW)
Explore: Introduction to Bowen family systems theory
Other Media:
Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human
The Bulletin: Steve and Clarissa on Smart Drugs in the Workplace
Explore Clarissa Moll’s website
Read Clarissa Moll’s Substack
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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41:20
Steve and Lisa Cuss Navigate the Four Spaces of Anxiety and Deeper Connectivity
Steve Cuss is joined once again by his wife and fellow counselor, Lisa Cuss, for a practical conversation on the Four Spaces of Anxiety and how these shape our relationships, leadership, and faith. Building on recent Being Human dialogues with Toni Collier and Dr. Les Parrott, Steve and Lisa unpack the hidden assumptions that fuel reactivity, disconnection, and stress. Steve and Lisa explore how faith, vulnerability, and intentional community can break anxiety’s grip and create healthier families, churches, and neighborhoods.
Episode Resources:
Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety
Explore Toni Collier’s website
Toni Collier’s Don't Try This Alone
Toni Collier’s Broken Crayons Still Color
Toni Collier’s Brave Enough to Be Broken
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
Dr. Parrott and Judah Smith’s Bad Thoughts: A Preacher and a Shrink's Guide to Reclaiming Your Mind and Soul
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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41:11
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41:11
Dr. Les Parrott Challenges Empathy Myths in Christian Circles
World-renowned relationship expert Dr. Les Parrott sits down with host Steve Cuss for a raw discussion about reclaiming your mind and soul. Parrott shreds toxic beliefs about empathy, parenting, and vulnerability that have infiltrated Christian culture, replacing them with a vision for emotional and spiritual health that actually works. Together, Steve and Dr. parrott dissect the razor-thin line between empathy and enmeshment, reveal how technology can fuel genuine human connection, and unpack why hearing God’s voice without shame is a game-changer.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
Dr. Parrott and Judah Smith’s Bad Thoughts: A Preacher and a Shrink's Guide to Reclaiming Your Mind and Soul
Pastor Judah Smith’s instagram
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott’s website
David Brooks’ How to Know a Person
Steve & Clarissa Moll discuss the Four Spaces of Anxiety
The Gospel of Mark (ESV)
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From Christianity Today, Being Human with Steve Cuss is Christian counseling in podcast form. Steve Cuss, a former trauma and hospice chaplain, pastor, and leadership coach, guides listeners with a gospel-informed journey of discovery into the world of emotional health: everything from anxiety and reactivity, to triangulation, overfunctioning, and the Enneagram.